News from Head of Prep

This week, my focus with the girls has been on the importance of responsibility. Responsibility is one of our key EHS values and, together, we have discussed the way in which responsibility links so beautifully to the Fundamental British Value of Individual Liberty. I highlighted to the girls how fortunate we are to live in a country where we have the freedom to make our own choices, hold our own beliefs and live our lives as we choose. We explored how wonderful having this freedom is…but that it only works when everyone follows a shared set of rules. That, in fact, with freedom comes a great deal of responsibility.

The girls know I like to have fun, that I treat each day as a gift, as an opportunity to embrace every moment. But, I have reminded them that, in order to have fun, we must all follow our shared set of rules and take responsibility for our own actions. That we must be honest and kind and, if we make mistakes, we must take responsibility for our actions. For some, this is a straightforward concept, for others it takes time and support to reach this point. For some, the positive lure of reward is enough to make good choices, sadly for others, honesty is a more challenging concept. But, what I do know is that all of my girls are here to learn. All of my girls will make mistakes and all of them have the ability to learn from these. Our EHS values run through the veins of everything we do, they are central to our decision making, to our daily lives. For my staff, these EHS values embedded and I see this as I walk the corridors, dining halls and outdoor spaces of our remarkable school.

Audrey Pantellis, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Advisor joined our Reception girls this week to talk about our wonderful differences. Helping to empower the girls to be brave enough to be their own, individual unique selves. Audrey always brings an aura of such positivity with her and the girls responded extremely well to her passionate and enthusiastic presence.

Awe and wonder has been in evidence down at our allotment this week. Our Gardening Club girls were treated to the most incredible, late afternoon light as they enjoyed their session this week. At this time of year, the allotment is exceptional – the fruits of the girls and staff’s labour truly have come to fruition and, despite the drought, a dedicated team have kept the plants and flowers alive throughout the long, hot Summer. The results are exceptional and help the girls develop a responsibility for our planet. For our outdoor spaces, plants and flowers that are so central to human existence.

With fears about AI taking over, I am acutely aware of the importance of providing hands on learning opportunities for my girls. Of providing opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To develop independence and to continue to highlight the importance of responsibility. To educate a child is a gift and I know that my staff feel the same.

With our Open Day this weekend, school will be a buzz of activity on Saturday – if you have family or friends who would like to come and see how we do what we do, they are most welcome to join us from 9.30am-12 noon.

Enjoy the weekend.

Mrs N Hobson

Head of Preparatory School